Mathematical Models of Scallop Locomotion and Optimal Design of Scallop-Inspired Robot

Abstract

Underwater jet propulsion bio-inspired robots have typically been designed based on soft-bodied organisms, exhibiting relatively limited forms of locomotion. Scallop, a bivalve organism capable of jet propulsion, holds significant importance in the study of underwater motion mechanisms. In this study, we present theoretical fluid mechanics analysis and modeling of the three distinct motion stages of scallops, providing parameterized descriptions of scallop locomotion mechanisms. Accordingly, three-stage adaptive motion control for the scallop robot and model-based robot configuration optimization design were achieved. An experimental platform and a robot prototype were built to validate the accuracy of the motion model and the effectiveness of the control strategy. Additionally, based on the models, future optimization directions for the robot are proposed.